Normandy 1841 France Barbizon Landscape Louis Nicolas Cabat Louis Français Print

Description

Normandy landscape lithograph dated 1841, reproducing a composition by Louis Nicolas Cabat (1812–1893) with the reproductive drawing credited to Louis Français (1814–1897). Printed by Bertauts in Paris, the sheet bears the title Paysage.

This rural scene brings together cottages, mature trees and open pasture populated by figures and livestock. On the left, farm buildings stand beside the water beneath a dense canopy of foliage. Smoke rises above the roofs, adding a gentle suggestion of everyday activity to the countryside setting.

In the foreground, a figure bends beside the water while ducks swim nearby. Stones, uneven banks and a small footbridge lead the eye towards the buildings. Further into the composition, figures and grazing animals animate the open land.

A large spreading tree provides a strong focal point. Its branches and foliage contrast with the lower buildings and the broad stretch of countryside to the right. The cloud-filled sky gives the scene atmosphere and balances the detailed foreground.

The printing combines dark lines with a warm tinted background. Contrasts between shaded banks, textured foliage and lighter distant areas create depth while preserving the intimate character of the rural subject.

Louis Nicolas Cabat and the Barbizon landscape tradition

This Normandy landscape lithograph will appeal to collectors interested in Louis Nicolas Cabat and the landscape tradition associated with Barbizon. Its cottages, water, trees and rural figures bring together the natural setting and everyday country life in a carefully balanced composition.

The printed credits read “Cabat pinx.”, identifying the painter of the original composition, and “Français del.”, identifying the artist responsible for the reproductive drawing. The printer’s credit appears beneath the image as “Imp. Bertauts Paris”.

Details

Subject: rural landscape in Normandy France.
Composition: Louis Nicolas Cabat.
Reproductive drawing: Louis Français.
Printer: Bertauts in Paris.
Date: 1841, as attributed.
Printed title: Paysage.
Technique: lithograph with a tinted background.
Sheet dimensions: 27.4 × 18 cm.
Image dimensions: 21.4 × 12.4 cm.

Condition

The image is clearly legible and the margins are retained. A few small marks and paper irregularities are visible in the margins. The photographs form an integral part of the description.

An attractive nineteenth-century landscape print for collectors of Normandy views, Barbizon-related subjects and French rural scenes. Its horizontal composition and warm tones make it particularly suitable for framing.